THE IMPORTANCE OF ZOOTECHNICAL INDICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPRODUCTION OF DAIRY AND BEEF CATTLE: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This work is based on a review of bibliographic research that has verified the importance of zootechnical reproductive indices and their association with the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows and beef cattle in various scenarios. These more direct approaches to the subject were facilitated by the use of items and sub-items, incorporating the most important aspects of the reproductive performance of lactating cows and beef cattle, as well as the economic impact on cattle breeding at different stages of reproduction. Through the literature researched, subsidies and clarifications were provided on the importance of zootechnical reproductive indices as a way of monitoring the reproductive abilities of these cattle. These aspects include reproductive control, the definition of different indices, and the influence of multiple factors on the zootechnical reproductive indices of dairy and beef cattle. Articles from specialized livestock magazines (national and international), websites, technical bulletins, conference and symposium proceedings, theses, dissertations and books dealing specifically with dairy and beef cattle were used. Profitable production in dairy systems depends on factors such as effective management, intensive use of forage area, reproductive efficiency, lower age at first calving and genotypic adaptation to the environment. Efficient reproduction is fundamental to herd profitability. When reproductive performance is insufficient, there is an increase in involuntary culling, a reduction in the longevity of the animals, greater replacement, loss of genetic progress and greater expenditure on insemination and medication. In addition, milk and meat production decreases due to an increase in the interval between lactations and a longer dry period. Reproductive management, in both beef and dairy herds, aims to optimize reproductive and productive performance, ensuring that each cow produces one calf per year, ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the system.